Gang leader accused of attacking Asian families in Western Australia arrested

A gang leader accused of a string of armed robberies targeting Asian families and his accomplice have been charged in the crimes, officials said at a news conference Thursday. The crimes were committed in King, Snohomish and Skagit Counties and included one murder.

Kevin Thissel, 28, and Christopher Johnson, 23, have been charged with one count of racketeering and one count of conspiracy to commit RICO. Racketeerism refers to engaging in illegal activity as part of an organized effort, often associated with criminal enterprises such as gangs or syndicates. Under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, a person can be charged with racketeering if he or she commits at least two forms of racketeering activity (such as bribery, fraud or extortion) within a 10-year period.

Thissel, known as “Big Jefe”, meaning “Big Boss”, is considered the leader of the gang.

According to the documents, the gang targeted Asians because they believed they were “weaker.” Prosecutors said they would spend time researching their victims on social media and search their homes beforehand.

When they decided to rob the families, they said the officers would break in, hold the families at gunpoint, and then search their home, taking jewelry, important documents, money, and more.

Court documents show the gang members kidnapped one person, took him to an ATM and forced him to withdraw money.

In another case, officials said they murdered a young mother while her 7-year-old child lay next to her in bed.

The crimes occurred between May and August in Mount Vernon, Burien, Kent and Everett. Court documents indicate the gang was also active outside of Western Washington, possibly in the Southwest.

As part of the gang’s initiation, members were required to commit at least two of these robberies or other criminal activities, according to authorities.

Prosecutors say they had accomplices who helped them carry out the crimes, including children the gang ordered to drive stolen cars and pass messages between gang members.

There are more members of the gang. Some of them have been identified, according to authorities, but others apparently still have not been caught.

Federal investigators are working to recover all of the stolen items.

Sam Campbell is a reporter, editor and host at KIRO Newsradio. You can read more of Sam’s stories here. Follow Sam on Xor send him an email here.

Contributors: Bill Kaczaraba, MyNorthwest

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